Already without two of their best players in defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, it would have been understandable if Kittle's devastating injury was too much to overcome.
But the 49ers proved again during this injury-marred season that they're not defeated by adversity but buoyed by it.
It's part of why they were able to gather themselves after Kittle's injury and pull off a 23-19 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. With the win, the Niners advanced to the NFC divisional round for a rematch against the NFC West rival Seahawks in Seattle on Saturday.
"This team has carried the character of George Kittle throughout the entire year," 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey said. "He's the heart and soul of this team. That's a tough loss. When he's not playing, it means a lot. ... When you lose a leader like that, you never really lose him because his presence is still in this locker room. His energy is still here."
Even as Kittle was riding to the locker room after his injury, he was clapping and encouraging his teammates to continue battling the Eagles. After recent seasons, the 49ers know what is needed to overcome significant injuries, even to team captains Kittle, Bosa and Warner.
With a little more than six minutes left in the second quarter, Kittle made a 6-yard catch in the right flat. As he attempted to turn upfield, his right leg gave way as Eagles linebacker Zack Baun tackled him. Kittle stayed down as the Niners' medical staff rushed to check on him
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